The Males in Early Childhood Network Group was established in 2002 in Newcastle, NSW Australia. The group meets every 6 weeks at the Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle.

"I only know one other male who is working in early childhood, so knowing a few more is good. This group teaches me stuff they didn’t cover when I was studying."

               Paul

 

 

Males working and studying in early childhood in Australia

Currently in Australia men make up around 2% of the total children’s services workforce. The reasons for this are complex. The main barriers that men face include;

• Child protection concerns.
• Low pay and working conditions in child care.
• Child care is seen as "women's business".
• Males are often seen as tokens or a novelty, noticed because of their gender, not their skills / qualifications.
• Men are studying or working in isolation from other men.

 

The Males in Early Childhood Network Group

 

The group aims to be at the forefront of change where male staff and male volunteers will be accepted as being essential in early childhood services. Males have something to offer that is different to what females have to offer. Male identity is important for young children and contributes to their development. Men working in this field should not have to feminise themselves in order to ‘go under the radar’, but should be able to be themselves, so that young children see men as caring and nurturing. The group acknowledges the great work that female staff and mothers do, and we are also about recognising the strengths that men can bring to the service.

 

The network group has identified goals; with the primary aim to recruit, retain and support men to work with young children. To introduce male identity into services is essential, as well as providing mentoring support to eliminate men working or studying in isolation.